Compound Bow Comparator

To be honest, the Carbon Defiant is not a very appealing bow on paper. Speeds seem to be slower than previous Hoyt models, the lightweight carbon riser bow still tips the scales at 3.8-pounds, and the price tag of $1449 is scary even if money is not a factor in deciding which bow to purchase. However, the shooting experience of the Carbon Defiant 34 is very pleasurable. After shooting this fully redesigned piece of machinery, it is truly hard to find anything wrong with the bow. The solid hold on target along with the longer bow feel make this bow a breeze to shoot, which should be seen in accuracy as well. The Carbon Defiant 34 can be used for all archery disciplines ranging from 3d to indoor spots, and will most definitely perform in the woods for anything shooters want to hunt. Those judging the bow without giving it a fair test shot are really missing out on a superb shooting bow. If you can afford a Carbon Defiant 34 and can get over the sticker shock of the MSRP tag, this bow really is a nice offering for anyone on the market. Read full review...

The Defiant 34 returns shooters to the feel of a longer axel-to-axel measurement bow with the convenience of a shorter measurement. It was not long ago the archery industry was full of 37-40-inch bows marketed for treestand hunting. Trends pushing toward shorter axel-to-axel bows have finally joined up with the feeling and stability of a longer model for Hoyt in 2016. Hoyt is not the first company to incorporate more preloaded limbs, but the introduction to this style of bow in their 2016 lineup should be well received. Although the Defiant 34 is pretty slow, and on paper does not look to be much different than its predecessor the Nitrum 34, the feel and shootability of the Defiant 34 is what should draw shooters to giving it a try and ultimately falling in love with it. The $1049 price tag may be a bit steep for some, but considering the Defiant 34 can do everything from shooting paper and foam to a Boone and Crocket, shooters should be able to justify the price tag. Those not concerned with the overall speed of a bow should give the feel of the Defiant 34 a try. Read full review...

• The feel of a target bow in hand and holding on target
• Forgiving 7-inch brace height
• Carbon riser benefits and warm to the touch feel in the coldest temperatures
• Lots of finish choices

• Complete redesign from the 2015 model
• DFX cam offers cable stops or optional limb stop
• String angle is comparable to a 37" axel-to-axel bow

• An IBO rating of only 325 feet per second
• $1449 bare bow is hard to pay even if money is not an issue
• There is a significant delay in getting this model into shops

• Slow IBO speed of only 325 feet per second
• $1049 bare bow MSRP is a little pricey for some shooters